Kevin Beattie, regularly voted Ipswich Town's greatest ever player, has died. He was 64.
Born in Carlisle, Beattie joined Ipswich in July 1971 and stayed with the club for 10 years.
He picked up a series of accolades, including 1973-74 PFA Young Player of the Year, won the FA Cup in 1978 and the Uefa Cup in 1981.
But his career was dogged by injury and he retired in December, 1981, although he later returned to play for north Essex clubs Colchester United, Clacton Town and Harwich & Parkeston.
The defender also earned nine caps for England between 1975 and 1977.
Sir Bobby Robson once described him as the best England player he had ever seen.
Beattie died at home early on Sunday, the day after broadcasting live for BBC Radio Suffolk with presenter Mark Murphy, who said he had been on 'fine form' and added: 'To say I'm devastated is an understatement.
'He was my co-host for the past seven years and I am proud to call him my friend.
'He was without a doubt the greatest ever footballer to pull on the Ipswich Town shirt.
'The fans idolised him and he loved the fans with equal measure. He would be mobbed wherever we went.
'I will miss him terribly.'
Ipswich Town, on their Twitter feed, said: 'We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Kevin Beattie at the age of 64. The thoughts of everybody at #itfc are with Kevin's family & friends at this very difficult time. The Beat. Thank you.'
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